Granular Geomaterials Dissipative Mechanics

This book develops a new vision in geomechanics which will be of interest to researchers and engineers. It begins with the key theoretical features of dissipative structures induced by elementary contact friction within geomaterials in slow motion, their multi-scale expression in key tensor relations and associated features including strain localization and shear banding.

1. Fundamentals: The Tensor Structures Induced by Contact Friction.
2. Natural Compatibility with Mechanical Heterogeneity.
3. Strain Localization and Shear Banding: The Genesis of Failure Lines.
4. Failure Criterion: The Micromechanical Basis of Coulomb Criterion.
5. Coupling Between Shear Strength and Volume Changes: Generalized 3D Stress–Dilatancy Relations.
6. Experimental Validations.
7. Cyclic Compaction Under Alternate Shear Motion.
8. Geostatic Equilibrium: The K0 Effect.
9. Scale Effects in Macroscopic Behavior Due to Grain Breakage.
10. Practical Applications of Scale Effects to Design and Construction.
11. Concluding Remarks.

Etienne Frossard is a widely experienced dam engineering expert, formerly Technical Director at Coyne & Bellier, and a lecturer at École Centrale Paris in France. His academic work, building on his PhD at Mines ParisTech, explores the behavior of granular geomaterials mechanics, with the intention of renewing its theorization in depth.